Why Milk Production Matters for Nursing Dogs
Mother’s milk is absolutely essential for newborn puppies, providing complete nutrition and important antibodies that protect puppies during the vulnerable first weeks of life. Puppy milk contains colostrum in the first days after birth, which provides maternal antibodies that boost the puppy’s developing immune system. According to research, the antibodies in colostrum are absorbed intestinally by the puppy to confer passive immunity. Beyond colostrum, milk continues to contain antibodies that line the intestinal tract and protect against pathogens in the gut. The nutritional composition of dog milk meets all the needs of rapidly growing puppies, with the perfect balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Milk production that keeps pace with the demands of the growing litter is critically important. Low milk supply can lead to poor weight gain, dehydration, hypothermia and compromised immunity in puppies.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10266749/
How Milk Production Works in Dogs
Milk production in dogs is controlled by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk, while oxytocin causes the muscles around the mammary glands to contract and release the milk.
When puppies suckle, it stimulates nerves in the mother dog’s mammary glands. This triggers the release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland which in turn causes cells in the mammary glands to produce and release milk for the puppies to feed. Prolactin levels remain high to continue milk production as long as stimulation of the mammary glands occurs frequently enough through puppy nursing.
Frequent nursing is important to keep prolactin levels elevated so that milk production is maintained. Puppies will suckle every 1-2 hours in a 24 hour period during the first few weeks after birth to obtain the nutrition they need for growth and development. As puppies get older nursing frequency decreases but still needs to occur multiple times a day.
If puppy stimulation of the mammary glands decreases substantially, prolactin levels will drop and milk production slows down or ceases. This is why regular nursing and draining of the breasts is necessary for milk production to be sustained throughout the lactation period.
Key Times When Milk Supply Matters
A mother dog’s milk production is especially critical in the early days after giving birth (whelping) and during the weaning period. According to https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/how-long-should-puppies-stay-their-mother, puppies rely completely on their mother’s milk for the first 2-3 weeks of life. Adequate milk supply during this time ensures the puppies get proper nutrition to thrive. Milk production needs to be robust in the first days after whelping when puppies feed frequently.
The mother dog’s milk remains an important part of the puppies’ diet until weaning is complete, which normally occurs between 6-10 weeks of age according to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10266749/. During the weaning process, the quantity and quality of the mother’s milk impacts how smoothly puppies transition to solid foods. Low milk supply can lead puppies to wean too early or cause nutritional deficits. Supporting milk production during weaning helps puppies wean on an optimal timeline.
Signs of Low Milk Production
There are several signs that may indicate a nursing dog has low milk production. The most common signs include:
- Poor weight gain in puppies – If puppies are not gaining weight or seem underweight, it likely means they are not getting enough milk. Healthy puppies should steadily gain weight in the first few weeks.
- Excessive crying or fussing from puppies – Puppies that constantly cry or seem hungry even after nursing may not be getting enough milk.
- Dehydration in puppies – Dehydration, indicated by sunken eyes or skin that lacks elasticity, suggests puppies are not receiving enough fluid from nursing.
- Engorged or swollen mammary glands in the dog – The mother dog may have overfull, painful mammary glands if milk is not being properly expressed.
- Agitation in the dog – Low milk supply can cause restlessness and discomfort in the nursing dog.
According to this guide, dehydration is one of the fastest ways milk supply can decrease, so providing fresh water frequently is essential. Puppies that are crying, fussing, or seem hungry may not be getting adequate milk, prompting the need for supplementation. Monitoring puppy weight gain helps identify poor milk transfer. Addressing low supply quickly helps ensure puppies get the nutrition they need.
Medical Reasons for Low Milk Supply
There are several medical conditions that can cause low milk production in nursing dog mothers. These include:
Infection
Infections of the mammary glands, known as mastitis, are a common medical cause of decreased milk supply. Bacterial infections within the breast tissue lead to inflammation, pain, and blocked milk ducts. Treatment with antibiotics is usually necessary to clear the infection. According to one source, “Mastitis results when bacteria moves up the ducts and infects the mammary gland, rather than the milk moving down the ducts and out through the nipple. It most commonly affects one gland although both glands can become infected.” (Source)
Mastitis
As mentioned, mastitis is the inflammation of mammary glands due to infection. The breast tissue becomes reddened, painful, and warm to the touch. Milk supply can diminish significantly. Mastitis requires prompt veterinary treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and fluid therapy. Warm compresses and gentle milk expression can also help. Left untreated, mastitis can lead to abscess formation. (Source)
Poor Nutrition
Providing proper nutrition is crucial for nursing dog mothers. The significant metabolic demands of milk production require increased calories, protein, fat, and micronutrients. If the diet is deficient in these areas, the body may divert resources away from milk synthesis. This can quickly lower supply. High quality puppy food, raw food diets, or specialized lactation diets help meet nutritional needs. (Source)
Stress
Stress affects milk production through its impacts on hormones like prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones are integral for mammary gland functioning and milk release. Stress leads to increased cortisol, which can interfere with prolactin and oxytocin signaling. Providing a quiet, comfortable whelping area and limiting disruptions helps reduce stress for the nursing mother. (Source)
Litter Size
The number of puppies in a litter can strain milk production capabilities. Very large litters make it difficult for the mother to keep up with milk demand. This is especially true for first-time mothers. Nutritional supplementation is important to support the significant energy and nutrient requirements of large litters. (Source)
Non-Medical Factors Impacting Milk Supply
There are several non-medical factors that can affect a mother dog’s milk supply when nursing puppies:
Age of the Dog
Younger dogs and older dogs may have more difficulty producing enough milk than adult dogs in the prime of their life. Younger mothers who are still growing may struggle to meet the nutritional demands of producing milk, while older mothers may have health issues that impact milk production.
Litter Size
The number of puppies in a litter plays a big role in milk supply. The more puppies a dog is nursing, the more milk is required. Large litters can sometimes tax a mother’s ability to produce enough milk for all of her puppies. This is especially true for smaller breed dogs.
Supplementation
Well-meaning pet owners may interfere with milk supply by supplementing with formula or goat milk too early or too frequently. This can decrease the signaling to the mother dog’s body to produce more milk. Vets recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks before supplementing, and only doing so when clear signs of low supply are seen. Even then, supplementation should be limited.
According to pethelpful.com, “The only time supplementation is required is if the mother has no milk at all or dies during whelping.”
Dietary Recommendations for Improving Milk Supply
Providing your nursing dog with a high-quality diet is one of the best ways to help support healthy milk production. The key is to feed a diet high in protein, calories, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
High-quality proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and lean red meats are crucial for milk production. Proteins provide amino acids that help produce prolactin and oxytocin, hormones that stimulate milk synthesis. Aim to feed your nursing dog a diet with at least 22% protein.
Increasing calories can also help boost milk supply, as nursing requires significant energy expenditure. Feed a highly digestible diet with increased fat and carbohydrate levels to provide extra calories. For example, chicken thighs with skin provide more fat than chicken breast.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also support milk production. These essential fats provide the building blocks for rich and nutritious milk. Good sources include fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and oils like canola, sunflower, and safflower oil.
Vitamins like A, D, E, and B complex aid milk quality and volume. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are also important for milk synthesis. Provide a balanced commercial dog food formulated for growth, pregnancy, or lactation to supply complete nutrition.
In addition to high-quality commercial diets, you can also give your nursing dog homemade foods like cooked eggs, sardines, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruits, and vegetables. Always consult your veterinarian before drastically changing your dog’s diet.
With the right nutritional support, most mother dogs can produce ample milk to fully nourish their growing puppies. But if your dog still seems to struggle with milk supply, certain supplements may provide additional support.
Supplements to Support Milk Production
There are some natural supplements that may help boost milk production in nursing dogs when taken regularly:
Oxytocin is a hormone that triggers milk letdown in dogs. Supplements containing oxytocin may stimulate milk production when taken under veterinary guidance. However, oxytocin can have side effects and should not be taken without consulting a vet first.1
Fennel and fenugreek contain compounds that may increase milk supply. These herbs are sometimes added to dog supplements or teas meant to support lactation. However, their effectiveness is uncertain and high doses may cause side effects.2
Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some dog owners report increased milk production after giving milk thistle supplements, but scientific evidence is limited. It’s considered safe when used as directed.3
Consult your vet before giving any herbal or hormonal supplements to boost milk supply. Make sure to purchase high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers and follow dosage guidelines.
Providing Supportive Care
Providing proper care for a nursing dog is essential to help her produce sufficient milk for her puppies. Here are some tips for providing supportive care to a lactating dog:
Let the puppies nurse frequently, as nursing stimulates milk production. Allow the puppies to nurse for as long and as often as they want.
Keep the mother and puppies in a warm, draft-free area. Lower temperatures can reduce milk supply. Maintain an ambient temperature around 70-80°F.
Reduce environmental stress for the mother dog as much as possible. Stress inhibits the let-down reflex and milk production. Keep noise, disruptions, and visitors to a minimum.
According to the AKC, “Your goal is to provide enough nutrition for her to maintain optimal body weight while the puppies nurse. All nutrients are needed in increased amounts.” https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/the-care-and-feeding-of-the-breeding-bitch-part-two/
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If a mother dog’s milk supply does not improve after trying dietary supplements, supportive care, and adequate rest and nutrition, it’s important to seek veterinary advice.
Signs that warrant a vet visit include:
- No increase in milk production despite efforts to boost supply
- Mastitis, or infection/inflammation of the mammary glands
- Poor weight gain or growth in the puppies
A vet can run tests to determine if an underlying medical issue is affecting milk supply, such as insufficient hormone levels or health problems like kidney disease. They may recommend medications or other treatments to help support milk production.
Puppies’ health depends on receiving an adequate milk supply in the first few weeks of life. If efforts to improve the mother dog’s milk production don’t work, puppies may need supplemental bottle feeding to ensure they are properly nourished. Veterinary guidance is important to ensure both mom and puppies stay healthy.
Sources:
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-to-boost-your-dogs-milk-supply